Stormers-Bulls match to help sell Super Rugby in the US

LOS ANGELES, Unites States – Super Rugby will make its debut in the United States in February 2018 at StubHub Center in Los Angeles when the Bulls and Stormers travel to Southern California for a pre-season match-up.

Super Rugby brings a highly anticipated dynamic to a Southern California market that has seen tremendous growth in rugby over the past year. With participation and overall interest in the sport continuously rising, the Bulls and Stormers have the opportunity to target an engaged community, showcasing an elite level of play and advancing the sport as a whole.

Dan Lyle, Director of AEG Rugby, who worked directly with Super Rugby to bring the event to America, was enthusiastic about how International Rugby Saturday will impact the U.S. market.

"Super Rugby not only represents five countries with strong rugby pedigrees who have cultural ties to the United States; as a league, it represents a dynamic style of the sport that will appeal to U.S. sports fans," said Lyle.

A former Eagle himself, playing from 1994-2003, Lyle understands the many facets of sports consumption and how the event will serve as an important highlight to one of them.

"While the broadcast of sport is paramount, experiencing the pace and power of rugby first hand and in person is second to none," says Lyle.

The contest between the Bulls and the Stormers will mark the first match between two Super Rugby teams in the United States. Impressive growth in the sport through Southern California, paired with the success of Super Rugby, creates an atmosphere that is sure to entice audiences at StubHub center.

Former Men's Eagles Head Coach and current Head Coach of the Vodacom Bulls, John Mitchell looks forward to returning to the United States.

"This trip comes at a vital time for us, as we will be far into our pre-season preparations for the 2018 season and there's no doubt that members of our squad will be looking to assert themselves," said Mitchell.

"Rugby lovers attending the double-header can expect to be entertained by these two Super Rugby giants."